Embracing Social Networks as a Tool for Strengthening Communications with Alumni

Social networks such as Facebook and MySpace have become the preferred communication system for many students and for an increasing number of faculty.  At the urging of recent alumni, a Facebook group was established to strengthen communications between faculty in the department of horticulture at Penn State and graduates of the department’s landscape contracting curriculum.  The group, titled Penn State Landscape Contracting Alumni, debuted in July 2007 with no marketing or general announcement to graduates.  After 2 months 21 alumni had discovered the group and joined.  After 12 months membership had increased to 71.  After twenty months membership reached 138, which represented 20.2 percent of the total number of graduates from the program.  The site is used for group communications as well as individual contacts.  Announcements, events and career opportunities are posted by faculty.  A side benefit of the Facebook group is increased communication among alumni classmates.